Is Lower Incisor Extraction Treatment a Compromise?

From Volume 26, Issue 3, April 1999 | Pages 117-122

Authors

David J. Hegarty

BDS NUI, FDS RCS (Eng.), MOrth RCS (Edin.), MDS

Registrar in Orthodontics, University Dental Hospital and School, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

Articles by David J. Hegarty

Mary Hegarty

BDS NUI, FDS, DOrth RCS (Eng.), FFD RCSI

Professor and Head of Orthodontics Department, University Dental Hospital and School, Wilton, Cork, Ireland

Articles by Mary Hegarty

Abstract

In this paper orthodontic treatment involving extraction of a lower incisor is described. This has traditionally been regarded as a compromise as loss of a lower incisor renders it impossible to achieve true ideal occlusion. However, with careful case selection, treatment planning and visualization of the post-treatment occlusion, excellent functional and aesthetic results can be achieved. The various factors that govern the decision to treat certain malocclusions in this way are discussed and a clinical case is presented to demonstrate this type of treatment.

Article